simian
pronunciation
How to pronounce simian in British English:
UK [ˈsɪmiən]
How to pronounce simian in American English:
US [ˈsɪmiən]
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- Noun:
- an ape or monkey
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- Adjective:
- relating to or resembling an ape
Word Origin
- simian (adj.)
- "characteristic of monkeys or apes," c. 1600, from Latin simia "ape," from simus "snub-nosed," from Greek simos "snub-nosed" (like the Scythians), also a masculine proper name, of unknown origin. Biological meaning "pertaining to monkeys" is from 1863. The noun meaning "an ape or monkey" first is attested in 1880.
Example
- 1. African monkeys infected with the virus that causes simian aids have rarely developed aids .
- 2. Young males , whether simian or human , prefer toys that can be used actively or propelled in space , and which afford greater opportunities for rough play .
- 3. Even fully paid-up members of the enlightenment , people who would not for a moment deny humanity 's simian ancestry , are often sceptical .
- 4. The three previously known hiv strains are related to the simian virus that occurs in chimpanzees .
- 5. The finding upsets a widely held scientific belief that chimpanzees , the closest relatives to humans , can get the virus that causes simian aids but without harm .